Travel Advisories for Monterey County

COVID-19

Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s primary concern is to ensure that travelers and residents are informed with the latest updates to our area as we continue to closely monitor COVID-19 pandemic. We are working diligently with our local health care community, county officials, and state and industry partners for continued up-to-date information.

As Monterey County begins to reopen for travelers safely and responsibly, we advise visitors to check individual business websites for details on modified operations, safety and health protocols and booking reservations. Many area businesses continue to extended special considerations and suspensions beyond their normal cancellation policies. For information on the latest state travel advisory's and COVID-19 Travel Updates, visit our dedicated page here. 

Winter Travel Advisory

Due to wildfire scarring in unincorporated Monterey County during the 2020 fire season, residents and travelers are advised to monitor winter weather forecasts and travel alerts specifically for Big Sur. 

Road Closures

On January 28, a portion of Highway 1 was damaged in southern unincorporated Monterey County. Big Sur businesses remain open, and the majority of Highway 1 is accessible north of Post Mile Mark 32.6, just south of Esalen Institute. The turnaround from the south is at Big Creek Vista Point at Post Mile Mark 27.3 (north of Lucia). 

To view a map of Big Sur businesses that are accessible and additional details, visit our Big Sur page here. For additional road closure information, visit Caltrans. 

When visiting areas impacted by wildfire scarring, stay on designated paths and be mindful of your surroundings. According to the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services, if you can look uphill from where you are and see a burnt-out area, you are at risk.

For full details, please visit the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services website. 

Park Closures

The following parks remain closed due to 2020 wildfire damage in Monterey County:

• Big Sur State Park Closures including: 
  • John Little State Natural Reserve
  • Limekiln State Park
• Toro Park, Salinas

Please visit individual park websites for the latest updates, as well as to learn of possible trail closures throughout Monterey County. 

Travel Responsibly

Help us keep Monterey County open for all to enjoy. We ask that all essential travelers visit responsibly and follow safety precautions, as outlined by health care officials including: 

• Wear a Mask: face coverings are required indoors and outdoors. Fines are in effect. Follow CDC guidelines. 
• Follow the 6-foot rule: stay at least 6 feet apart at all times. This includes time spent on trails, at parks and other outdoors spaces.
• Stay home: if you show signs of illness, stay home. Self-quarantine for at least two weeks if you have been in a high-risk area.
• Leave no trace behind: Properly dispose of all trash and plastics, including face coverings. Help us keep Monterey County beautiful for generations to come.

Wondering what to expect while visiting Monterey County? Look for the “Know Before You Go” messages found throughout our website for updates.